It is a great time to be a part of the dynamic industry of meetings and conferences, isn’t it? The market is strengthening and most expect 2014 to be near or surpass industry records. Budgets – up, market – up, attendance – up, occupancy-up, RevPar- up and even employment slightly up. While the upward direction is exciting and energizing, it is important that we continue to drive the messages of the value of live events, meetings and conventions.

In my ten plus years as a member of PCMA (all with the SE Chapter), I have had the opportunity to serve in several capacities. Most memorable were serving in the areas of membership and as SE Chapter Board Liaison to HQ. I also enjoy the Service in Sync events, as I know the work done at these events is so critical to the community we serve.At no time, did I think the environment was so right for messaging about the importance of conferences & meetings.

As we get busy with our day-to-day activities, our optimistic nature tends to blur the images of those difficult economic years that are now hopefully in the rear view. Yet we must not forget that there is a lot of work to be done in continuing to build the brand of our profession. It is clear that we have made progress and it is equally clear that there is more to be done.

For example, we help adults grow in their leadership, skills and professionalism, we foster enterprise innovation, bring together cultures/peoples/organizations and bust open the silos within. We build bridges, brands and businesses and so much more. We make a difference that we need to be able to clearly articulate and own. Like many of you, I am an unabashed raving fan of our industry and that is what drives my PCMA involvement.I look forward to the next three years as part of the PCMA Board as an opportunity to make a difference in this conversation. I hope you will join me as your voice is needed. Visitwww.pcma.orgto see what is being done in industry advocacy and how you can make a difference.